Life Below Stairs (2015 edition): in the Victorian and Edwardian Country House

Description

A vivid account of lives lived 'in service' in Britain's great houses. From the cook, butler and housekeeper to the footman, lady's maid and nanny, this is a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of some of Britain's grandest houses. The largely untold stories of innumerable, rather humble, lives spent 'in service' are lying just below the surface of many great houses; the physical evidence can be seen in surviving servants' quarters, the material of their everyday life, even their uniforms and possessions. This account provides a fascinating glimpse at who's who behind the scenes, from the cook, butler and housekeeper to the footmen, lady's maids, governesses and tutors, nannies and nursemaids. Giving a fascinating insight into the heirarchy within the servant's quarters - from the power-wielding cook to the ever-discreet butler - this guide describes how relationships were forged and changed as the gap between upstairs and downstairs was bridged. Describing their typical working day as well as the holidays, entertainments and pastimes enjoyed on a rare day off, not to mention the whirl of the social season, this previously 'unwritten history' recalls vividly the nature of their lives below stairs.

Cultural historian Sian Evans worked for the National Trust for many years as Senior Press Officer and before that at the Victoria & Albert Museum and Design Museum. In recent years she has written many books including Life Below Stairs, Ghosts: Mysterious Tales from the National Trust, and Pattern Design: A Period Design Sourcebook all for National Trust Books.